Life Terms for Iran Spies
Terrorism, Espionage, Sabotage — Courts Hand Down Verdicts
The High Criminal Court issued a series of judgments in cases involving espionage, terrorism-related activities and support for hostile acts against Bahrain, with sentences ranging from up to 10 years in prison to life imprisonment.
In the most serious case, the court sentenced two defendants to life imprisonment after convicting them of spying for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and individuals working for its interests, aiming to assist hostile and terrorist acts against Bahrain and harming the Kingdom’s interests.
The court also ordered the confiscation of the seized items.
According to the Deputy Chief of the Terrorist Crimes Prosecution, the case began after the Public Prosecution received a report from the Cybercrime Directorate concerning a social media account that contained support and praise for Iranian terrorist attacks targeting Bahrain.
Investigations identified the person operating the account, who was arrested. He admitted operating the account and communicating with another defendant who had fled the country. He also admitted providing the other defendant with coordinates and locations inside Bahrain.
The Public Prosecution launched an investigation, questioned the defendant present in Bahrain and heard witness statements. Technical experts were also appointed to examine the seized electronic device.
The examination confirmed the commission of the acts attributed to the two defendants, according to the prosecution.
The defendants were subsequently referred to the High Criminal Court, which considered the case over several hearings. The prosecution said all legal guarantees were provided, including the presence of a lawyer for the defendant present in Bahrain and the opportunity to present his defence.
The court then issued its life sentences and ordered the confiscation of the seized items.
The Public Prosecution stressed that protecting Bahrain’s security and national interests requires confronting all forms of illegal cooperation or communication with hostile parties.
Three defendants sentenced to 15 years
In two separate cases, the High Criminal Court sentenced three defendants to 15 years in prison each for joining a terrorist group and working for its interests in carrying out hostile and terrorist acts against Bahrain.
The court also fined two of the defendants BD2,000 each and ordered the confiscation of the seized items.
The cases followed information received by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science and subsequently confirmed through investigations.
According to the Public Prosecution, the investigations established that the defendants joined a terrorist group planning to target Bahrain. The group's objectives included disrupting public order, threatening national security and safety, harming people, spreading fear and obstructing state institutions and public authorities from performing their duties.
The investigations also found that the defendants had been assigned various tasks inside Bahrain and had participated in transferring, receiving and delivering funds intended to support and finance terrorist elements belonging to the group.
The Public Prosecution questioned the defendants after receiving the reports and said they admitted to the charges against them. Witnesses were also heard, and technical experts examined the seized electronic devices.
Up to 10 years for support of Iranian attacks
In three separate cases, the High Criminal Court sentenced three defendants to prison terms of up to 10 years for supporting and praising Iranian terrorist attacks against Bahrain, obtaining and disseminating prohibited data, and photographing locations where photography is prohibited.
The court also imposed fines of up to BD5,000 on some of the defendants and ordered the confiscation of the seized items.
The cases originated from reports received by the Public Prosecution from relevant security departments concerning social media accounts that contained posts supporting and praising Iranian attacks targeting Bahrain.
The reports also involved the publication of prohibited data and the photographing of vital locations where photography is restricted.
According to the prosecution, the material shared through the accounts included photographs, video clips and comments supporting and praising the attacks, as well as images of vital locations and data considered prohibited from publication, obtaining or circulation.
Investigations identified those operating the accounts. The Public Prosecution subsequently questioned the defendants, heard witness statements and appointed technical experts to examine the seized electronic devices.
The examination results confirmed the acts attributed to the defendants, the prosecution said.
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